Market Developments

Ritani makes Forbes ‘Most Promising’ list

New York--Forbes has included bridal brand Ritani as one of “America’s Most Promising Companies,” listing the company at No. 40 out of 100.

Ritani listed revenue of $13 million last year. The company also raised $14 million from Cantor Ventures and others in 2012, according to Forbes.

Headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., Ritani also has e-commerce operations in Seattle, and currently has 45 employees.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by Forbes as one of our nation’s most promising companies,” said Ritani President Brian Watkins. “We look forward to continuing our growth in 2014, welcoming customers new and old, while developing our robust network of trusted local jewelers.”

Ritani was founded in 1999 as a jewelry wholesaler, but added a direct-to-consumer business in 2012.

With its “clicks and bricks” model, Ritani allows shoppers to buy rings directly online or order them and have them sent to one of the company’s retail partners, for in-person previews and purchase.

Forbes’ annual list of the 100 most promising companies in the country is a ranking of high-growth, privately held companies with annual revenue of less than $250 million. They also look at growth in sales and hiring, quality of management team and investors, margins, market size and key partnerships.